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Topic: iAds coming to OSX, possibly (Read 1976 times)

Apple could be creating an operating system supported by advertisements, allowing users to obtain the software at a reduced price, or for free, in exchange for being required to view ads.

The patent application for the invention "Advertisement in Operating System" was republished as a continuation this week. It was first revealed last October, and was originally filed for on April 18, 2008. The invention is credited to Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs, as well as Freddy A. Anzures, Mike Matas, Gregory N. Christie and Patrick Coffman.

The application describes an operating system that would present the user with an advertisement, preventing them from doing basic functions on the system for a set period of time. At the conclusion of the advertisement, the user would be able to resume their activities on the machine.

"The operating system can disable one or more functions while the advertisement is being presented," the application reads. "At the end of the advertisement, the operating system can again enable the function(s). The advertisement can be visual or audible. The presentation of the advertisement(s) can be made as part of an approach where the user obtains a good or service, such as the operating system, for free or at reduced cost."

Advertisements could be shown at pre-set intervals, based on an internal timer in the system. Users could also pre-buy additional time to use the computer, allowing them a greater span where they will not be interrupted by an advertisement.

So they're going to issue a patent on something that's (simply) a sure fire way to piss people off? - - It's totally free(ish) and completely useless due to constant interruptions (much like TV is today...).

...That sounds like just the proof folks were looking for to show that the patent system was broken.